Wireless mobile work machine component detection and control system

ABSTRACT

A mobile work machine includes a wireless communication system configured to receive a wireless communication signal from a transmitter corresponding to a machine component on the mobile work machine, machine component identification logic configured to obtain a machine component identifier, that uniquely identifies the machine component, based on the wireless communication signal, operation detection logic configured to detect a machine operation associated with the machine component and to generate component performance data correlated to the machine component based on the machine operation, and control signal generator logic configured to generate a control signal that controls the mobile work machine based on the component performance data.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is based on and claims the benefit of U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/928,667, filed Oct. 31, 2019,the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD OF THE DESCRIPTION

The present description generally relates to mobile work machines. Morespecifically, but not by limitation, the present description relates toa component detection and control system for a mobile work machine thatuses wireless communication to wirelessly detect a machine component,such as an interchangeable or replaceable wear part, and itscorresponding operation on the mobile work machine.

BACKGROUND

There are many different types of mobile work machines. Those mobilework machines can include agricultural machines, construction machines,turf management machines, forestry machines, among others. Many of thesepieces of mobile equipment have subsystems that are controlled by anoperator and/or automatically in performing operations.

For instance, an agricultural machine can have multiple differentmechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic and electro-mechanicalsubsystems, among others. Examples of agricultural machines include, butare not limited to, row unit planters, air seeders, sprayers,harvesters, to name a few. In other examples, construction machines areoften tasked with transporting material across a worksite, or into orout of a worksite, in accordance with a worksite operation. Differentworksite operations may include moving material from one location toanother or leveling a worksite, etc. During a worksite operation, avariety of construction machines may be used, including articulated dumptrucks, wheel loaders, graders, and excavators, among others.

The subsystems of a mobile work machine, such as an agricultural orconstruction machine, often have a number of subsystems with any of avariety of machine components or parts. Often, a number of thesecomponents are interchangeable or replaceable. Examples of replaceablecomponents include parts such as wheels, tires, bearings, valves,batteries, or any of a wide variety of other types of parts that wear ordeteriorate by usage over time. Many of these parts have a predefinedservice life or expected lifecycle (e.g., based on their manufactureddesign) after which the parts are to be serviced or replaced. Forinstance, a particular tire may have a service life defined by a certainnumber of miles, after which they are expected to have worn to a pointthat requires replacement. Similarly, meters or other mechanicalcomponents may have disks, bearings, rollers, etc. that have a servicelife defined by a certain number of rotations or metering cycles. Inanother example, a hydraulic circuit has a number of valves that eachhave a service life defined by hours of operation, a number ofoperational cycles, or otherwise.

Alternatively, or in addition, a machine component on a mobile workmachine is interchangeable depending on the desired application. Forinstance, in the case of an example agricultural seeder or applicator, ahopper or other suitable container has one or more volumetric meteringsystems located at a bottom portion thereof. The volumetric meteringsystem includes a roller that has a number of recesses located betweenfins or flutes and a first portion of the roller engages the particlesin the hopper. The particles fall into the recess and the roller turnssuch that the particles are transported out of the hopper and fall intoa particle feed stream. This feed stream often includes airflow thathelps convey the seeds or fertilizer along a path to be distributed tothe agricultural surface. A meter displacement value (MDV) or acalibration value of the roller defines the volume of material that ismoved for a given rotation of the meter. Depending on the desiredseeding rate, different metering rollers can be placed in the volumetricmeter to achieve the seeding rate for a given meter speed (revolutionsper minute) or the speed of the meter can be controlled based on the MDVfor the roller(s) being utilized. In order to accommodate variousdifferent application rates and seeds, these rollers are designed to beeasily changeable by an operator. Thus, the seeder can be changed fromone type of application to another merely by changing out the rollers.The rollers are often color-coded such that the flow rate or applicationcan be easily discerned by the operator. However, the control system ofthe tractor or planter must also know the particular roller(s) used suchthat flow rate can be automatically controlled. For example, the tractorcontrol system, using seeder roller information, is able to determinehow much faster or slower to rotate the rotor based on the vehicle speedover ground.

Currently, the tractor control system is provided with rollerinformation by having the operator manually enter the roller colorinstalled on the seeder/applicator. For modern systems, this may be asmany as forty eight, or more, individual rollers on a given seeder orapplicator. In the event that the operator enters the wrong colorroller, the application rate for that roller will be erroneous.

Operation of a mobile work machine with incorrectly chosen parts orparts that have worn or deteriorated beyond their service life canadversely affect operation, and can result in poor machine performanceand/or damage to the machine itself.

The discussion above is merely provided for general backgroundinformation and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining thescope of the claimed subject matter.

SUMMARY

A mobile work machine includes a wireless communication systemconfigured to receive a wireless communication signal from a transmittercorresponding to a machine component on the mobile work machine, machinecomponent identification logic configured to obtain a machine componentidentifier, that uniquely identifies the machine component, based on thewireless communication signal, operation detection logic configured todetect a machine operation associated with the machine component and togenerate component performance data correlated to the machine componentbased on the machine operation, and control signal generator logicconfigured to generate a control signal that controls the mobile workmachine based on the component performance data.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that is further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to implementationsthat solve any or all disadvantages noted in the background.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one example of a mobile work machinearchitecture.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of an example agricultural environment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example agricultural commodity cartcarrying a plurality of hoppers and associated volumetric meteringsystems.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of example electrical interconnections of theenvironment shown with respect to FIG. 2 .

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of one example of a wireless machine componentdetection and processing system.

FIG. 6 illustrate one example of machine component records.

FIG. 7 is a perspective cutaway view of one example of a volumetricmetering system.

FIG. 8A-8B are diagrammatic views of one example of a volumetricmetering system and roller.

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view of one example of an example RFID systemincorporated into a roller.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are a flow diagram illustrating an example operationof a wireless machine component detection and processing system.

FIG. 11 shows one example of a top view of an agricultural machine.

FIG. 12 shows one example of a side view of a row unit of theagricultural machine shown in FIG. 11 .

FIG. 13 illustrates an example agricultural sprayer.

FIG. 14 is a partial pictorial, partial schematic illustration of oneexample of a mobile work machine in the form of a combine harvester.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing one example of the architectureillustrated in FIG. 1 , deployed in a remote server architecture.

FIGS. 16-18 show examples of mobile devices that can be used in thearchitectures shown in the previous figures.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing one example of a computingenvironment that can be used in the architectures shown in the previousfigures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present description generally relates to mobile work machines. Morespecifically, but not by limitation, the present description relates toa component detection and control system for a mobile work machine thatuses wireless communication to wirelessly detect a machine component,such as an interchangeable or replaceable wear part, and itscorresponding operation on the mobile work machine.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one example of a work machinearchitecture 100 that includes a mobile work machine 102. Work machine102 includes a control system 104 configured to control a set ofcontrollable subsystems 106 that perform operations on a worksite. Forinstance, an operator 108 can interact with and control work machine 102through operator interface mechanism(s) 110. Operator interfacemechanism(s) 110 can include such things as a steering wheel, pedals,levers, joysticks, buttons, dials, linkages, etc. In addition, they caninclude a display device that displays user actuatable elements, such asicons, links, buttons, etc. Where the device is a touch sensitivedisplay, those user actuatable items can be actuated by touch gestures.Similarly, where mechanism(s) 110 includes speech processing mechanisms,then operator 108 can provide inputs and receive outputs through amicrophone and speaker, respectively. Operator interface mechanism(s)110 can include any of a wide variety of other audio, visual or hapticmechanisms.

Work machine 102 includes a communication system 112 configured tocommunicate with other systems or machines in architecture 100. Forexample, communication system 112 can communicate with other localmachines, such as other machines operating on a same worksite as workmachine 102. In the illustrated example, communication system 112 isconfigured to communicate with one or more remote systems 114 over anetwork 116. Network 116 can be any of a wide variety of different typesof networks. For instance, it can be a wide area network, a local areanetwork, a near field communication network, a cellular communicationnetwork, or any of a wide variety of other networks, or combinations ofnetworks.

Communication system 112 can include wireless communication logic, whichcan be substantially any wireless communication system that can be usedby the systems and components of machine 102 to communicate information.In one example, communication system 112 communicates over a CAN bus (oranother network, such as an Ethernet network, etc.) to communicateinformation. This information can include the various sensor signals andoutput signals generated based on the sensor variables and/or sensedvariables.

A remote user 118 is illustrated as interacting with remote system 114,which can be a wide variety of different types of systems. For example,remote system 114 can be a remote server environment, remote computingsystem that may be used by remote user 118, such as to receivecommunications from or send communications to work machine 102 throughcommunication system 112. Further, it can be a remote computing system,such as a mobile device, remote network, or a wide variety of otherremote systems. Remote user 118 can receive communications, such asnotifications, requests for assistance, etc., from work machine 102 on amobile device. Remote system 114 can include one or more processors orservers, a data store, and it can include other items as well.

FIG. 1 also shows that work machine 102 includes one or more processors122, one or more sensors 124, a data store 128, and can include otheritems 130 as well. Sensor(s) 124 can include any of a wide variety ofsensors depending on the type of work machine 102. For instance, sensors124 can include material sensors 134, position/route sensors 136, speedsensors 138, and can include other sensors 140 as well.

Material sensors 134 are configured to sense material being moved,processed, or otherwise worked on by work machine 102. Speed sensors 138are configured to output a signal indicative of a speed of work machine102.

Position/route sensors 136 are configured to identify a position of workmachine 102 and a corresponding route (e.g., heading) of work machine102 as it traverses the worksite. Sensors 136 include sensors configuredto generate signals indicative of an angle or turn radius of machine102. This can include, but is not limited to, steering angle sensors,articulation angle sensors, wheel speed sensors, differential drivesignals, gyroscopes, to name a few.

Control system 104 can include settings control logic 142, power controllogic 144, display generator logic 146, a wireless machine componentdetection and processing system 148, and it can include other items 150.Controllable subsystems 106 can include propulsion subsystem 152,steering subsystem 154, material handling subsystem 155, one or moredifferent actuators 156 that can be used to change machine settings,machine configuration, etc., power utilization subsystem 158, and it caninclude a wide variety of other systems 160, some of which are describedbelow. In one example, controllable subsystems 106 include operatorinterface mechanism(s) 110, such as display devices, audio outputdevices, haptic feedback mechanisms, as well as input mechanisms.Examples are discussed in further detail below.

Settings control logic 142 can control one or more of subsystems 106 inorder to change machine settings based upon objects, conditions, and/orcharacteristics of the worksite. By way of example, settings controllogic 142 can actuate actuators 156 that change the operation ofmaterial handling subsystem 155, propulsion subsystem 152, and/orsteering subsystem 154.

Power control logic 144 generates control signals to control powerutilization subsystem 158. For instance, it can allocate power todifferent subsystems, generally increase power utilization or decreasepower utilization, etc. These are just examples and a wide variety ofother control systems can be used to control other controllablesubsystems in different ways as well.

Display generator logic 146 illustratively generates a control signal tocontrol a display device, to generate a user interface display foroperator 108. The display can be an interactive display with user inputmechanisms for interaction by operator 108.

As noted above, mobile work machine 102 can take a wide variety ofdifferent forms. For example, mobile work machine 102 can include aconstruction machine, such as a bulldozer, motor grader, crane, frontloader, excavator, dump truck, to name a few. In another example, mobilework machine 102 can include an agricultural machine, such as a tractor,combine, planter, seeder, sprayer, to name a few.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic top plan view of an agricultural environment inwhich embodiments described herein are applicable. As shown in FIG. 2 ,environment 200 includes a tractor 202 coupled to a seeder, such as anair seeder 204, which is coupled to a commodity cart 206. Thesecouplings typically include mechanical, hydraulic, and electricalcouplings. Accordingly, the operator of tractor 202 can make variousadjustments to operation of seeder 204 and commodity cart 206. Astractor 202 pulls seeder 204 and commodity cart 206, solid particleswithin commodity hoppers 208, 210, or 212, are fed into respectivevolumetric metering systems and conveyed in one or more commodity linesto seeder 204 for application to the agricultural surface, such as field214.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one example of the commodity cart 206shown in FIG. 2 . As shown in FIG. 2 , commodity cart 206 includescommodity hoppers 208, 210, and 212. Disposed at a bottom location ofeach respective hopper is a volumetric metering system that isconfigured, by virtue of selection of a volumetric roller, to provide acontrolled feed of solid particles within the respective hoppers.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of one example of electrical connectionswithin environment 200. As shown, tractor 202 includes one or morecontrollers 230 that are coupled to a variety of tractor sensors 232 andtractor outputs 234. Additionally, tractor 202 includes an electricalinterconnect 236 that is configured to couple to electrical interconnect238 of seeder 204. Additionally, tractor 202 includes a user interface240 coupled to controller(s) 230 in order to allow an operator locatedwithin the cab of tractor 202 to interact with the control system of thetractor 202, seeder 204, and commodity cart 206.

Electrical interconnect 238 of seeder 204 also facilitates theelectrical connection between tractor 202 and commodity cart 206 viaelectrical interconnect 242 of commodity cart 206. Further, seeder 204may include one or more suitable sensors 244 that sense the delivery ofcommodity, such as seeds or fertilizer, to the agricultural surface.These sensors 244 may be flow sensors or any suitable sensors that mayprovide an indication of the effective delivery of the commodity to theagricultural surface.

Commodity cart 206 includes commodity hoppers 208, 210, and 212, asillustrated diagrammatically at reference numeral 246, each hopper iscoupled to a respective volumetric metering system 248 that employs aremovable roller coupled to a roller drive 250, which is operablycoupled to tractor output 234 in order to transport a controlled amountof commodity from the hopper to a commodity feed stream delivered toseeder 204.

Referring again to FIG. 1 , wireless machine component detection andprocessing system 148 generally provide automatic identification ofcomponents that are coupled to, or otherwise operational with, mobilework machine 102. Examples of components include components or partsinstalled on one or more of subsystems 106.

System 148 is configured to wirelessly identify the specific parts, upontheir installation, using unique identifiers and to correlateoperational data to those uniquely identified parts. Usage of the partscan be tracked across different operations of a same work machine (e.g.,usage of the component by machine 102 on different worksites orprojects), as well as across different machines (e.g., usage of thecomponent by machines 102, 103, etc.).

Further, system 148 can identify component service life or lifecycleinformation, and can detect or estimate wear or deterioration of thosecomponents by usage over time. Such information can be used toautomatically control the mobile work machine environment, such as bycontrolling the operation of the system(s) having those parts, sendingreplacement notifications indicating that the parts require replacement,or otherwise.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing one example of wireless machinecomponent detection and processing system 148. As discussed in furtherdetail below, system 148 is configured to perform automaticidentification, through a wireless connection, of machine componentsthat are coupled to or otherwise used by mobile work machine 102.

System 148 includes a wireless communication system 300 configured towirelessly communicate with a set of machine components 302 through awireless communication channel 304. Channel 304 can comprise anysuitable type of wireless communication channel. In one example, system300 communicates with components 302 using electromagnetic radiation,such as radio frequency (RF) channels. One example includes Bluetoothcommunication. In another example, system 300 utilizes near fieldcommunication (NFC) or other radio-frequency identification technology(e.g., RFID).

For the sake of the present discussion, but not by limitation, system300 will be described in the context of RF identification thatidentifies and tracks RFID tags corresponding to components 302.Accordingly, system 300 includes an RFID reader 306, and can includeother items 308 as well. RFID reader 306 is configured to identify RFIDtags that are embedded in, or otherwise attached to, components 302.Illustratively, a first component 310 includes an RFID tag 312, and asecond component 314 includes an RFID tag 316. It is noted thatcomponents 302 can include any number of components, as represented bycomponent N 318 and its associated RFID tag 320. Each RFID tag (e.g.,tags 312, 316, 320) encodes information that uniquely identifies thecorresponding machine component (e.g., components 310, 314, 318).

As noted above, machine components 302 can include any of a wide varietyof different types of components. For example, they can includeinterchangeable or replaceable wear parts. These can include parts ofcontrollable subsystems 106, or other systems on or associated withmachine 102.

For sake of illustration, in one example agricultural environment,component 310 comprises a removable roller of a volumetric meter (e.g.,volumetric metering system 500 discussed below with respect to FIG. 7 )in material handling subsystem 155 and component 314 comprises a tire ofpropulsion subsystem 152. Also, in an air seeder example, an air source,such as a blower, can include RFID tags on the corresponding motor(s),blades, etc. These of course, are for sake of illustration only.

An example RFID tag comprises a passive tag that collects energy frominterrogating radio waves of RFID reader 306 and, using this collectedenergy, transmits a response that is read by RFID reader 306. Thisresponse can include information such as an encoded identifier that ituniquely identifies the RFID tag and/or machine component, informationabout the machine component, and/or historical operational data for themachine component. For instance, the encoded information can include amanufacture date of the machine component, a part or serial number ofthe machine component, service life information indicative of usagehistory of the machine component, or any other information.

In one example, RFID reader 306 is positioned so that it automaticallydetects the RFID tag of the corresponding component upon coupling of thecomponent to its corresponding subsystem. To illustrate, an examplepassive RFID system reads at a short distance of a few feet or less. Inthe case of a metering roller in such a passive system, one or more RFIDreaders are placed on or in close proximity to the volumetric meter suchthat passive RFID tags are activated only upon coupling of the meteringroller to the volumetric meter. That is, reader 306 is placed at acorresponding distance so that tag 312 is activated when component 310is placed in the volumetric meter. This can reduce the likelihood of thepassive RFID tag being activated and read without the component beinginstalled in the volumetric meter.

In another example, an RFID tag can comprise an active tag that has anon-board battery and periodically transmits its identification signaland/or encoded information. In another example, an RFID tag can comprisea battery-assisted passive tag that has an on-board battery and isactivated when in the presence of RFID reader 306.

An RFID tag can be read-only, having a factory-assigned serial numberthat is used as a key in a database to identify the RFID tag and/ormachine component. In another example, an RFID tag can be read/writewhere object-specific data can be written to the tag by system 300. Asdiscussed in further detail below, lifecycle information such asruntime, cycle count, or other operational data can be written to theRFID tag.

Also, the machine component(s) can include on-board motion sensor(s)(e.g., sensors 311, 315, and 319), such as one or more accelerometers,gyroscopes, inertial measurement unites (IMUs), etc. The motionsensor(s) can be integrated with the RFID tag or can be a separatecomponent. The motion sensor(s) communicate motion information,indicative of motion of the machine component, to system 148, eitherdirectly or through the corresponding RFID tag.

Additionally, machine component(s) 302 can include on-board data storage(e.g., data stores 313, 317, and 321). The data storage can beintegrated with the RFID tag or can be a separate component thatcommunicates with the RFID tag. The data storage can store informationsuch as machine component identifiers, manufacturer or part number,historical operation data, lifecycle information, etc.

In the example of FIG. 5 , system 148 includes machine componentidentification logic 322, machine component verification logic 323,machine component target operation logic 324, machine componentoperational performance detection and control logic 326, machinecomponent wear determination logic 328, machine component replacementidentification and recommendation logic 330, and control signalgenerator logic 332. System 148 is also illustrated as including a datastore 334, one or more processors 336, and can include other items 338as well.

Machine component identification logic 322 is configured to identify thespecific machine components in the set of machine components 302. Theidentification of the particular machine component can be based oninformation encoded in the signal from the RFID tags embedded in orcoupled to the component. Based on the signal, each machine componentcan be uniquely identified.

Also, the identification can be based on machine component records 340stored in data store 334. Examples of machine component records 340 aredescribed below with respect to FIG. 6 . For instance, machine componentrecords 340 uniquely identifies each machine component based on itscorresponding tag, and can store any of a wide variety of differenttypes of information that identifies the structural or performancecharacteristics of the component, as well as historical use data thatcan be used to indicate deterioration or wear of the component.

It is noted that the machine components represented by records 340 caninclude machine components that have been previously used on machine102, machine components that are expected to be used on machine 102,and/or machine components that have been used on other machines. Forexample, a metering roller can be used on one air seeder during a firstoperation. During that first operation, the number of cycles of theroller are tracked and stored in a corresponding record. If that rolleris removed, and utilized in a second, different air seeder, a secondoperation of the roller in the second machine can also be tracked. Thus,the lifecycle of the roller can be tracked and stored, even if theroller is used across different machines, different fields, and/ordifferent planting seasons.

In one example, logic 322 generates machine component records 340 forthe components 302, in response to detecting the RFID tags of thosecomponents. While the machine component records 340 are illustrated asbeing stored in data store 334 of system 148, some or all of the machinecomponent data can be stored elsewhere. In one example, some or all ofthis data can be stored on the tags themselves, e.g., reader 306transmitting the information to the tags for storage in the on-boarddata storage (e.g., 313, 317, 321). Alternatively, or in addition,machine component records 340 can be stored on a remote system, such asremote system 114 illustrated in FIG. 1 .

Machine component verification logic 323 is configured to verify themachine components 302 and/or control operation of machine 102 based onthe verification. For example, logic 323 can be configured to verifythat component 310 is a valid metering roller for use in a volumetricmeter of machine 102. This determination can be based on any of a widevariety of different types of information. For example, logic 323 canrestrict use of volumetric metering rollers to a list of acceptablemanufacturers, models, and/or configurations. Logic 323 can thus ensurethat improper or other unacceptable parts are not utilized on machine102, based on verifying the identity of the components from the embeddedtags. For instance, if a metering roller is coupled to the volumetricmeter and either does not have an RFID tag or has a tag that indicates adifferent manufacturer, model, etc., logic 323 can provide anotification to the operator or other user, can restrict or preventoperation of the meter, and/or perform other actions.

Machine component target operation determination logic 324 is configuredto determine a target operation for the machine component based on itsidentification from the RFID tag. This determination can be based ondata encoded in the RFID tag signal, data stored in records 340, orotherwise. For instance, in the case of a metering roller, logic 324determines an operational speed for the roller to achieve a desiredseeding rate based on the MDV of the roller that is identified from thetag and/or from the corresponding record 340 for that component. Logic324 is configured to determine a configuration or setting for machine102 based on identification of components 302.

Machine component operational performance detection and control logic326 is configured to detect operation of the identified components. Thiscan include an instantaneous performance characteristic, such as aspeed, temperature, pressure, or other operational characteristic of thecomponent, as well as historical performance data. Logic 326 isconfigured to generate a control signal, either itself, or throughoperation of control signal generator logic 332, that controls machine102. Accordingly, based on a detected operation of components 302 usingthe embedded RFID tags, machine 102 can be controlled in any of a numberof ways. For example, system 148 can automatically control one or moreof subsystems 106. For instance, system 148 can control subsystem 152,subsystem 154, subsystem 155, actuators 156, subsystem 158, mechanism(s)110, and/or other systems 160 based on the detected operation ofcomponents 302. Alternatively, or in addition, system 148 can controlcommunication system 112 to send an indication of the detected operationof components 302 to another system or machine (e.g., machine 103,system 114, etc.). In one example, logic 326 is controlled to write theperformance data to the corresponding records 340.

FIG. 6 illustrates one example of machine performance records 340. Asshown in FIG. 6 , a table or other data structure 400 includes a numberof data entries, in the form of table rows. Each table row has a numberof columns or fields. In the example of FIG. 6 , a first column 402stores a machine component identifier (ID), that uniquely identifieseach machine component. A second column 404 identifies a tag ID from theembedded tag. In one example, the tag ID stores a unique tag serialnumber that uniquely identifies the tag, which is mapped to thecorresponding machine component identified in column 402. A third column406 stores comprises a description field that stores a description ofthe machine component and column 408 can store a part or serial numberof the component. Column 410 stores a manufacture date for thecomponent. Column 412 stores operational data, that is updated by logic326 as the component is utilized on machine 102. Column 414 can storeservice life or lifecycle data for the component. In one example, thelifecycle data is encoded on the RFID tag, and is read by logic 322 andstored in record 340. One or more other columns 416 can store other dataas well.

Referring again to FIG. 5 , logic 326 can generate the operationalperformance data in any of a number of ways. In one example, logic 326detects operation of component 310 based on the signal from tag 312. Forexample, tag 312 (or another component) on machine component 310generates data indicative of movement of component 310. For example,motion sensor(s) 311 indicate movement of machine component 310, whichcan be sent by tag 312 and received by reader 306, which provides thedata to logic 326. Alternatively, or in addition, logic 326 can receivesensor signals from one or more sensors (sensors 124) on machine 102. Inthe example of a wheel or other ground engaging traction element, RFIDtag 312 can be embedded in the tire or other rotating element, and readby reader 306 to identify that particular ground engaging tractionelement. A signal from speed sensor 138 and/or position/route sensor 136can indicate a distance that machine 102 has traveled, while thatparticular ground engaging traction element is mounted on machine 102.Using this data, logic 326 updates the corresponding machine componentrecord 340 to indicate the number of miles (or other measure) that theground engaging traction element has traveled. This of course, is forsake of example only.

Machine component deterioration determination logic 328 is configured todetermine a level of deterioration or wear of machine components 302based on the operational data. For example, logic 330 can compare theoperational data in column 412 to the lifecycle data in column 414, todetermine whether the lifecycle for the machine component has beenexceeded. Based on this determination, a control signal can be generatedto send or display a notification to the operator, to send anotification to another user (e.g., remote user 118 over network 116) oranother machine (e.g., machine 103), and/or to automatically controlmachine 102, such as by changing a speed or shutting down thecorresponding system that is using the machine component.

Alternatively, or in addition, deterioration or wear of a machinecomponent can be detected based on the signal from the RFID tag. Forinstance, RFID tag 312 can be embedded within machine component 310 suchthat a threshold level of wear of component 310 will affect the signalgenerated by the RFID tag, which can be sensed by reader 306 andinterpreted by logic 330 as indicating deterioration of component 310.For instance, where the machine component is a tire, an RFID tag can beembedded at a threshold depth (corresponding to a predefined servicelife) within the treads of the tire. When the tread wear approaches thethreshold depth, the RFID tag is physically affected/damaged, andeffectually destroyed. This can be detected by system 148. Accordingly,logic 330 can determine that the signal from RFID tag 312 has beendegraded to a point that indicates that wear of component 310 isphysically affecting the RFID tag. This can include an unexpected dropof the signal from the RFID tag, which can indicate that the chip hasbeen destroyed or has fallen out of the tread of the tire, which is usedas an indication that the tire should be replaced.

As noted above, one example of machine component 310 comprises ametering roller or other component of a volumetric metering system.Volumetric metering systems are used in the agricultural industry toapply a controlled amount of solid particles (see e.g., seed orfertilizer) to an agricultural surface such as a crop or a field. As canbe appreciated, when applying such materials, it is very important toapply the correct amount per acre. Over-seeding can result in wastedproduct, while under-seeding can result in lower yields per acre thanthe field could otherwise support. For fertilizer, over-application canresult in damage to the product, while under-application can reduce theefficacy of the application. Accordingly, for each application of bulksolids to an agricultural surface, proper metering is very important. Agiven seeder or applicator of bulk solid materials will typically beused for a variety of different particle sizes.

In the example discussed above with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3 , a hopperor other suitable container has one or more volumetric metering systemslocated at a bottom portion thereof. The volumetric metering systemincludes a roller that has a number of recesses. The particles fall intothe recess and the roller turns such that the particles are transportedout of the hopper and fall into a stream. In order to accommodatevarious different application rates and seeds, the rollers are designedto be changeable by an operator. Thus, the seeder can be changed fromone type of application to another by changing out the rollers. Thecontrol system of the tractor or planter must know the particularrollers used such that the flow rate can be automatically controlled.For example, the tractor control system, using seeder rollerinformation, is able to determine how much faster or slower to rotatethe rotor based on the vehicle speed over the ground.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic perspective view of one example of a volumetricmetering system 500 that includes a housing 502, shown in cutaway formin FIG. 7 . A roller 504 is disposed within housing 502 includes anumber of flutes 506 and recesses 508 disposed between flutes 506. Afirst region 510 of volumetric metering system 500 is configured tocontact commodity within a hopper or storage container and as such, thecommodity will fall into individual recesses 508. As roller 504 isrotated by roller drive (e.g., roller drive 250), the commodity withinthe individual recesses 508 is transferred to region 514 where it canfall into a commodity stream. Often, the commodity stream includes anair-assisted flow stream that helps convey the commodity to a seeder,such as seeder 204. As can be appreciated, the size of the recesses 508,as well as the number of recesses disposed about roller 504 helpdetermine the amount of commodity that can be delivered for a givenrotation. Further, the width of the recesses 508 (along the axis ofroller 504) also can be selected to help determine the flow rate.Accordingly, rollers 504 determine the delivery rate for the commodity.These rollers are generally color-coded in order to help operatorsselect which rollers should be used for which purpose. For example, oneroller may be red indicating that it is suitable for ultra-low rateapplications or very small seed size, while a blue roller may indicatethat it is suitable for ultra-high rate applications or application ofrelatively large seeds. Once the operator has installed the correctcolor rollers within the metering system(s) the operator will typicallyreturn to the cab of the tractor, such as tractor 202, and utilize auser interface (e.g., user interface 240) to inform the control systemof the selected rollers. However, incorrect selection of the rollers canresult in deviation of the feed rate from the desired rate.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrammatic views illustrating a volumetricmetering system housing 550 and removable roller 552 having a wirelesscommunication tag (e.g., RFID tag) that wirelessly transmits informationto a corresponding RFID reader that is used to uniquely identify theremovable roller. FIG. 8A illustrates roller 552 removed from housing550. As illustrated, roller 552 includes a tab 554. A wirelesscommunication tag (an RFID tag in the present example) is provided on orin tab 554. When roller 552 is installed within housing 550, as shown inFIG. 8B, tag 554 is positioned within an activation range where acorresponding RFID reader (e.g., RFID reader 306) is positioned andactivates the RFID tag. The RFID reader can be positioned on housing550, or adjacent housing 550, but within the activation range. In oneexample, the RFID reader is mounted at a location on housing 550indicated by reference numeral 555. The RFID tag communicatesinformation that not only uniquely identifies roller 552, but indicatesthe physical configuration of roller 552, such as the number of flutes556, shown in FIG. 8A.

In one example, additional information may be encoded or otherwiseprovided by roller 552. For example, such additional information mayinclude the date of manufacture of the roller. The additionalinformation may also include a unique identification number for theindividual roller. The additional information can also include physicalproperty information such as roller capacity, number of recesses, rollercolor, etc. The additional information can also include rollerbehavioral information such as calibration factor, roller life, etc. Inthis way, the control system can be provided with the ability to trackusage of that particular roller over time in order to potentially detector forecast wear or deterioration. Further, the detection of individualrollers via wireless communication technology can provide informationindicative or revolution counts as well as duty cycle collection forindividual rollers.

To illustrate one particular example, assume that roller 552 wasmanufactured to have an MDV (meter displacement volume) value of 400.However, due to manufacturing tolerances, the particular roller 552 wasmanufactured with an MDV value of 399.8. This actual MDV value can bedetected through water displacement testing, or otherwise, and can becoded on the RFID tag on tab 554. When roller 552 is inserted intohousing 550, the RFID reader reads the RFID tag information to identifythe particular roller, as well as to identify the actual MDV value ofthe roller. The control system identifies that the MDV value has anoffset resulting from the manufacturing process (i.e., it is 399.8instead of 400), and controls the speed of the roller to be 100.2percent of the normal speed to effectively achieve the MDV of 400. Thatis, the increased rotational speed accounts for the reduced MDV of theroller.

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view of a wireless communication system (suchas an NFC system or other RFID system) incorporated into a machinecomponent. As shown in FIG. 9 , a tab 580 includes a wirelesscommunication chip 582 coupled to a plurality of traces 584. In thisway, wireless communication chip 582 and traces 584 are able to interactwith a suitable wireless communication receiver (such as an RFIDreader), illustrated at reference numeral 586. While FIG. 9 showswireless communication reader 586 as potentially positioned within atransducer portion of a housing, it is also expressly contemplated thatactive wireless communication technology can be used. In such case, eachroller is provided with a wireless communication chip and traces, suchas shown in FIG. 9 . Active wireless communication allows a singlereader to interact at greater ranges. Also, the reader can interact witha plurality of roller wireless communication chips due to the increasedrange.

FIGS. 10A and 10B (collectively referred to as FIG. 10 ) is a flowdiagram 600 illustrating one example of the operation for wirelessmachine component detection and processing. For sake of illustration,but not by limitation, FIG. 10 will be described in the context ofsystem 148 on machine 102, in the form of an agricultural seeder.

At block 602, a wireless signal is received from a tag (embedded orotherwise provided on) a machine component. In one example, the machinecomponent comprises a metering roller for a volumetric meter. Thewireless signal, in one example, comprises an encoded signal that isencoded with information that identifies the machine component, eitherdirectly or through a mapping stored in a machine component record(e.g., record 340). The wireless signal can be received through any of avariety of types of wireless systems. In one example, the signal isreceived from a passive RFID tag (block 604), that sends a response to asignal from an RFID reader. In another example, the wireless signal cancomprise a signal from an active RFID tag (block 606). In anotherexample, an NFC system is utilized. This is represented by block 608. Ofcourse, the wireless signal can be received using other types ofwireless communication systems, channels, and protocols. This isrepresented by block 610.

At block 612, system 148 determines that the machine component isengaged or otherwise operably coupled to the corresponding machinesystem. In one example, this determination is based on the signalreceived at block 602. For example, in the case of a passive RFID tag,the close proximity required for the passive tag activation can indicatethat the machine component is properly coupled for operation. In yetanother example, a sensor can be utilized to identify the machinecomponent coupling.

At block 614, logic 322 identifies the machine component based on thesignal received at block 602. Illustratively, this is based on a uniqueidentifier in the encoded signal. This is represented by block 616. Themachine component can be identified in other ways as well. This isrepresented by block 618.

At block 620, logic 323 verifies the machine component to determinewhether to allow operation of the corresponding machine system. As notedabove, this verification can limit operation based on a manufacturer,configuration, or other characteristic of the machine component.

Based on the machine component verification, block 622 determineswhether a data record of the machine component exists. This can includeaccessing machine component records 340 to identify a matching recordfor the identified machine component. For sake of illustration, assumethat the unique identifier at block 616 indicates a tag ID of“TAGID01568”. Based on this tag identifier, block 622 retrieves the datarecord 418 which indicates that that particular roller has 86,232cycles. It can also include other information, such as a manufactureddate, and lifecycle data indicating a total number of cycles beforewhich the roller is to be replaced. If no data record is identified forthe machine component (e.g., it may be a roller that has not been usedbefore), a new data record can be created in data store 334. This isrepresented by block 624.

At block 626, a target operation of the machine system can be determinedbased on the data for the machine component. In the metering rollerexample mentioned above, a speed of the roller can be set based on theMVD of the machine component identified from the corresponding record340 and/or from encoded data in the signal from the RFID tag.

At block 628, operational performance of the machine component isdetected. The operational performance can indicate any of a variety ofperformance characteristics. For example, it can indicate a duration ofuse, a distance, a number of rotations, a load on the component, anoperating temperature, structural strain on the component, to name afew.

The operational performance can be detected based on the signal from theembedded tag. This is represented by block 630. For example, based onthe signal detected by reader 306, movement and/or a position of themachine component can be detected. Alternatively, or in addition, asnoted above the machine component can include sensors such asgyroscope(s), accelerometer(s), inertial measurement units (IMUs), etc.These sensors can be part of the embedded tag, or otherwise positionedon the machine component and communicate with the tag to provide theinformation.

Also, the operational performance of the machine component can bedetected based on machine sensors. This is represented by block 632. Forexample, position or movement sensors (e.g., sensors 124) can indicatemovement, load, temperature, strain, or any other characteristic of themachine component. This operational performance data is associated withthe machine component. Of course, the operational performance of themachine component can be detected in other ways as well. This isrepresented by block 634.

At block 636, the machine component record corresponding to the machinecomponent is updated to reflect the operational performance detected atblock 628. The machine component record can be stored on one or more of(or the record can be distributed across) machine 102 (block 638), thetag on the machine component (block 640), and/or a remote system (e.g.,system 114) (block 642). Alternatively, or in addition, the machinecomponent record can be stored in other places as well. This isrepresented by block 644.

At block 646, deterioration or wear of the machine component is detectedby logic 328. As noted above, this can be based on the signal receivedfrom the embedded tag at block 602. This is represented by block 648.For example, wear of the machine component can result in a change to thesignal, indicating that the tag has become damaged, has been destroyed,or is otherwise no longer operating properly.

Alternatively, or addition, the deterioration of the machine componentcan be detected based on the operational data stored in the machinecomponent record. This is represented by block 650. For instance, logic328 can determine that a metering roller has exceeded its lifecycle bycomparing columns 412 and 414 in FIG. 6 . Of course, the deteriorationof the machine component can be detected in other ways as well. This isrepresented by block 652.

At block 654, a machine action is identified based on one or more of thetarget operations determined at block 626 and the deterioration detectedat block 646. For example, a corresponding control signal can begenerated based on the identified machine action.

In one example, the control signal controls the machine systemcorresponding to the machine component. This is represented by block654. For instance, if block 646 determines that the metering roller hasa threshold level of wear, the control signal can control the meteringsystem to cease operation and/or generate a notification for theoperator.

Other machine systems can be controlled as well. This is represented byblock 656. For instance, if the deterioration at block 646 indicatesthat a valve, bearing, etc. of steering subsystem 154 has a thresholdlevel of wear, the control signal can control the propulsion subsystem152 to slow the machine to a target velocity.

Alternatively, or in addition, the control signal can send anotification to operator 108 indicating the detected deterioration,providing a suggested corrective action, etc. This is represented byblock 658. Such a notification can be sent to remote system 114 as well.This is represented by block 660. Of course, the machine action andcorresponding control signal can be generated in other ways as well.This is represented by block 662.

FIGS. 11-14 illustrate examples of mobile work machine 102 that can usewireless machine component detection and processing system 148.

FIG. 11 is a top view of one example of an agricultural machine 700.Agricultural machine 700 illustratively includes a toolbar 702 that ispart of a frame 704. A plurality of row units 706 are mounted to thetoolbar. Agricultural machine 700 can be towed behind another machine(generally represented by 709), such as a tractor. In one example, anRFID tag (generally represented by 708) can be placed on frame 704 andread by an RFID reader (generally represented by 711) on the othermachine. In this way, system 148 can identify that machine 700 has beencoupled to the other machine, and can track and store operational datacorresponding to machine 700. RFID tag 708 can also transmit additionalinformation, such as data that identifies the type and/or configurationof row units 706, historical usage data (e.g., hours, acres planted,etc.), recommended settings, lifecycle data, etc. Also, each row unit706 can include one or more RFID readers, generally represented at 710.Each RFID reader 710 is configured to receive signals from one or moreRFID tags on the corresponding row unit.

FIG. 12 is a side view showing one example of row unit 706 in moredetail. FIG. 12 shows that each row unit 706 illustratively has a frame711 connected to toolbar 702 by a linkage (shown generally at 713).Linkage 713 is illustratively mounted to toolbar 702 so that it can moveupward and downward (relative to toolbar 702).

Row unit 706 also illustratively has a seed hopper 712 that stores seed.The seed is provided from hopper 712 to a seed metering system 714 thatmeters the seed and provides the metered seed to a seed delivery system716 that delivers the seed from the seed metering system 714 to thefurrow or trench generated by the row unit 706. In one example, seedmetering system 714 uses a rotatable member, such as a disc orconcave-shaped rotating member. Other types of meters can be used aswell.

Row unit 706 can also include a row cleaner 718, a furrow opener 720, aset of gauge wheels 722, and a set of closing wheels 724. In operation,as row unit 706 moves in the direction generally indicated by arrow 726,row cleaner 718 generally cleans the row ahead of the opener 720 toremove plant debris and opener 720 opens a furrow in the soil. Gaugewheels 722 illustratively control a depth of the furrow, and seed ismetered by seed metering system 714 and is delivered to the furrow byseed delivery system 716. Closing wheels 724 close the trench over theseed. A downforce generator 715 can also be provided to controllablyexert downforce to keep the row unit in desired engagement with thesoil.

As noted above, row unit 706 can include one or more RFID readers 710positioned to wirelessly detect the components of row unit 706. Thepositioning of RFID reader 710 in FIG. 12 is for sake of illustrationonly. Any number of readers 710 can be positioned on row unit 706 atvarious locations depending on the components to be sensed and whetherthe RFID tags are passive, active, battery assisted, etc.

In the example of FIG. 12 , seed metering system 714 includes an RFIDtag 728, which can be positioned on the rotating member mentioned above.Also, an RFID tag 730 can be positioned on the seed delivery system 716(e.g., brush belt). RFID tags can also be positioned on the row cleaner718, opener 720, gauge wheel 722, and/or closing wheel 724, asrepresented by reference numerals 732, 734, 736, and 738, respectively.

The RFID tags on those components can be read by the RFID reader(s) 710and identified and tracked by their unique identifiers. The operationaldata can also be used for controlling operation of row unit 706. Forinstance, an RFID tag (e.g., RFID 732 for row cleaner 718, RFID tag 734for opener 720, RFID tag 722 for gauge wheel 722, RFID tag 738 forclosing wheel 724) can be configured to sense rotation, and to providean indication of that sensed rotation to a wireless machine componentdetection and processing system (e.g., system 148). Based on thatindication, the system determines that the component is not rotatingproperly, such as by comparing the sensed rotation to a threshold ormodel of expected rotation. Further, based on determining that thecomponent is not rotating properly, the system can control the machinein any of a variety of ways. For instance, an output device (e.g.,display screen, speaker, etc.) can be controlled to output an indicationthat advises the operator of the condition. In another example, acorrective sequence is recommended to the operator and/or initiatedautomatically, such as raising and then lowering the row cleaners or rowunit to try to clear debris that may be causing the issue. If thecorrective sequence does not correct the issue, the operator could beadvised to stop the machine and check for jamming situations that mightrequire clearing. In another example, the issue can be caused by theRFID being missing or physically altered. Here, the operator can bealerted to inspect the component for damage (such as excessive openerblade wear) or to determine that the component actually broke off of themachine and needs replacement (such as a gauge wheel or closing wheel.)In another example, the signal from the RFID tag can indicate wear onthe corresponding component (e.g., closing wheel 724), and the systemcan adjust a setting, such as to increase or decrease the down pressureon row unit 706).

FIG. 13 illustrates an agricultural spraying machine 750. Sprayer 750includes a spraying system 752, having a tank 754 containing a liquidthat is to be applied to field 756. Tank 754 is fluidically coupled tospray nozzles 758 by a delivery system comprising a set of conduits. Afluid pump is configured to pump the liquid from tank 754 throughnozzles 758. Spray nozzles 758 are coupled to, and spaced apart along,boom 760. Boom 760 includes arms 762 and 764 which can articulate orpivot relative to a center frame 766.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 13 , sprayer 750 comprises a towedimplement 768 that carries the spraying system, and is towed by a towingor support machine 770 (illustratively a tractor) having an operatorcompartment or cab 772. Sprayer 750 includes a set of traction elements,such as wheels 774. The towing or support machine 770 also includestraction elements 776. The traction elements can also be tracks, orother traction elements as well. It is noted that in other examples,sprayer 750 is self-propelled. That is, rather than being towed by atowing machine, the machine that carries the spraying system alsocarries propulsion and steering systems.

In one example, the nozzles include RFID tags (not illustrated in FIG.13 ) that is read by RFID readers 778 positioned along boom 760. Thus,when the nozzles 758 are coupled to the spraying system, they are readby the reader 778. The RFID tags transmit nozzle identifyinginformation, such as the nozzle size, usage data, etc. This informationcan be used to control the spraying system, such as by controlling thespeed of the fluid pump. The fluid pump and the associated motors caninclude RFID tags as well.

In the illustrated example, one or more of the traction elements 774,776, include RFID tags 780 embedded in the tread. These RFID tags areread by RFID readers 782 positioned on the machine(s).

FIG. 14 is a partial pictorial, partial schematic, illustration of oneof example of an agricultural machine 800, in an example where machine800 is a combine harvester (or combine). It can be seen in FIG. 14 thatcombine 800 illustratively includes an operator compartment 801, whichcan have a variety of different operator interface mechanisms, forcontrolling combine 800, as will be discussed in more detail below.Combine 800 can include a set of front end equipment that can includeheader 802, and a cutter generally indicated at 804. It can also includea feeder house 806, a feed accelerator 808, and a thresher generallyindicated at 810. Thresher 810 illustratively includes a threshing rotor812 and a set of concaves 814. Further, combine 800 can include aseparator 816 that includes a separator rotor. Combine 800 can include acleaning subsystem (or cleaning shoe) 818 that, itself, can include acleaning fan 820, chaffer 822 and sieve 824. The material handlingsubsystem in combine 800 can include (in addition to a feeder house 806and feed accelerator 808) discharge beater 826, tailings elevator 828,clean grain elevator 830 (that moves clean grain into clean grain tank832) as well as unloading auger 834 and spout 836. Combine 800 canfurther include a residue subsystem 838 that can include chopper 840 andspreader 842. Combine 800 can also have a propulsion subsystem thatincludes an engine (or other power source) that drives ground engagingwheels 844 or tracks, etc.

In operation, and by way of overview, combine 800 illustratively movesthrough a field in the direction indicated by arrow 846. As it moves,header 802 engages the crop to be harvested and gathers it toward cutter804. After it is cut, it is moved through a conveyor in feeder house 806toward feed accelerator 808, which accelerates the crop into thresher810. The crop is threshed by rotor 812 rotating the crop against concave814. The threshed crop is moved by a separator rotor in separator 816where some of the residue is moved by discharge beater 826 toward theresidue subsystem 838. It can be chopped by residue chopper 840 andspread on the field by spreader 842.

Grain falls to cleaning shoe (or cleaning subsystem) 818. Chaffer 822separates some of the larger material from the grain, and sieve 824separates some of the finer material from the clean grain. Clean grainfalls to an auger in clean grain elevator 830, which moves the cleangrain upward and deposits it in clean grain tank 832. Residue can beremoved from the cleaning shoe 818 by airflow generated by cleaning fan820. That residue can also be moved rearwardly in combine 800 toward theresidue handling subsystem 838. Tailings can be moved by tailingselevator 828 back to thresher 810 where they can be re-threshed.

FIG. 14 also shows that, in one example, combine 800 can include groundspeed sensor 847, one or more separator loss sensors 848, a clean graincamera 850, and one or more cleaning shoe loss sensors 852. Ground speedsensor 847 illustratively senses the travel speed of combine 800 overthe ground. This can be done by sensing the speed of rotation of thewheels, the drive shaft, the axel, or other components. The travel speedand position of combine 800 can also be sensed by a positioning system857, such as a global positioning system (GPS), a dead reckoning system,a LORAN system, or a wide variety of other systems or sensors thatprovide an indication of travel speed.

In the illustrated example, one or more of the components shown in FIG.14 can include RFID tags that are read by one or more RFID readerspositioned on combine 800. For example, header 802 can include an RFIDtag 860 that is read by an RFID reader 862 when header 802 is coupled tocombine 800. Thus, operation of header 802, in general, can be tracked,automatically, based on automatic identification of header 802 when itis coupled to combine 800.

Similarly, components of the material handling subsystem can includeRFID tags. For instance, this can include the threshing rotor 812,cleaning subsystem 818, etc. Also, the ground engaging elements caninclude RFID tags, as mentioned above. In the illustrated example, RFIDtags 864 are embedded in wheels 844.

It can thus be seen that the present system provides a number ofadvantages. For example, but not by limitation, a wireless machinecomponent detection and processing system uniquely identifies variousmachine components, it can identify target operations for thosecomponents, and/or it can identify and track instantaneous as well ashistorical usage of the components. This can be utilized to identifydeterioration or wear of the components, to determine when parts requirereplacement. Further, detection of the machine components can verifyproper configuration and/or engagement of the components in theirrespective systems, as well as to verify that the proper parts have beenselected. Further, by correlating the performance to the specificcomponents, usage of the components can be tracked across differentoperational sessions on a same machine as well as across multiplemachines.

It will be noted that the above discussion has described a variety ofdifferent systems, components and/or logic. It will be appreciated thatsuch systems, components and/or logic can be comprised of hardware items(such as processors and associated memory, or other processingcomponents, some of which are described below) that perform thefunctions associated with those systems, components and/or logic. Inaddition, the systems, components and/or logic can be comprised ofsoftware that is loaded into a memory and is subsequently executed by aprocessor or server, or other computing component, as described below.The systems, components and/or logic can also be comprised of differentcombinations of hardware, software, firmware, etc., some examples ofwhich are described below. These are only some examples of differentstructures that can be used to form the systems, components and/or logicdescribed above. Other structures can be used as well.

The present discussion has mentioned processors, processing systems,controllers and/or servers. In one example, these can include computerprocessors with associated memory and timing circuitry, not separatelyshown. They are functional parts of the systems or devices to which theybelong and are activated by, and facilitate the functionality of theother components or items in those systems.

Also, a number of user interface displays have been discussed. They cantake a wide variety of different forms and can have a wide variety ofdifferent user actuatable input mechanisms disposed thereon. Forinstance, the user actuatable input mechanisms can be text boxes, checkboxes, icons, links, drop-down menus, search boxes, etc. They can alsobe actuated in a wide variety of different ways. For instance, they canbe actuated using a point and click device (such as a track ball ormouse). They can be actuated using hardware buttons, switches, ajoystick or keyboard, thumb switches or thumb pads, etc. They can alsobe actuated using a virtual keyboard or other virtual actuators. Inaddition, where the screen on which they are displayed is a touchsensitive screen, they can be actuated using touch gestures. Also, wherethe device that displays them has speech recognition components, theycan be actuated using speech commands.

A number of data stores have also been discussed. It will be noted theycan each be broken into multiple data stores. All can be local to thesystems accessing them, all can be remote, or some can be local whileothers are remote. All of these configurations are contemplated herein.

Also, the figures show a number of blocks with functionality ascribed toeach block. It will be noted that fewer blocks can be used so thefunctionality is performed by fewer components. Also, more blocks can beused with the functionality distributed among more components.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of one example of mobile work machinearchitecture 100, shown in FIG. 1 , where mobile work machine 102communicates with elements in a remote server architecture 882. In anexample, remote server architecture 882 can provide computation,software, data access, and storage services that do not require end-userknowledge of the physical location or configuration of the system thatdelivers the services. In various examples, remote servers can deliverthe services over a wide area network, such as the internet, usingappropriate protocols. For instance, remote servers can deliverapplications over a wide area network and they can be accessed through aweb browser or any other computing component. Software or componentsshown in FIG. 1 as well as the corresponding data, can be stored onservers at a remote location. The computing resources in a remote serverenvironment can be consolidated at a remote data center location or theycan be dispersed. Remote server infrastructures can deliver servicesthrough shared data centers, even though they appear as a single pointof access for the user. Thus, the components and functions describedherein can be provided from a remote server at a remote location using aremote server architecture. Alternatively, they can be provided from aconventional server, or they can be installed on client devicesdirectly, or in other ways.

In the example shown in FIG. 15 , some items are similar to those shownin FIG. 1 and they are similarly numbered. FIG. 15 specifically showsthat system 148 and/or data store 334 can be located at a remote serverlocation 884. Therefore, mobile work machine 102 accesses those systemsthrough remote server location 884.

FIG. 15 also depicts another example of a remote server architecture.FIG. 15 shows that it is also contemplated that some elements of FIG. 1are disposed at remote server location 884 while others are not. By wayof example, data store 334 can be disposed at a location separate fromlocation 884, and accessed through the remote server at location 884.Alternatively, or in addition, system 148 can be disposed at location(s)separate from location 884, and accessed through the remote server atlocation 884.

Regardless of where they are located, they can be accessed directly bymobile work machine 102, through a network (either a wide area networkor a local area network), they can be hosted at a remote site by aservice, or they can be provided as a service, or accessed by aconnection service that resides in a remote location. Also, the data canbe stored in substantially any location and intermittently accessed by,or forwarded to, interested parties. For instance, physical carriers canbe used instead of, or in addition to, electromagnetic wave carriers. Insuch an example, where cell coverage is poor or nonexistent, anothermobile machine (such as a fuel truck) can have an automated informationcollection system. As the mobile work machine comes close to the fueltruck for fueling, the system automatically collects the informationfrom the machine or transfers information to the machine using any typeof ad-hoc wireless connection. The collected information can then beforwarded to the main network as the fuel truck reaches a location wherethere is cellular coverage (or other wireless coverage). For instance,the fuel truck may enter a covered location when traveling to fuel othermachines or when at a main fuel storage location. All of thesearchitectures are contemplated herein. Further, the information can bestored on the mobile work machine until the mobile work machine enters acovered location. The mobile work machine, itself, can then send andreceive the information to/from the main network.

It will also be noted that the elements of FIG. 1 , or portions of them,can be disposed on a wide variety of different devices. Some of thosedevices include servers, desktop computers, laptop computers, tabletcomputers, or other mobile devices, such as palm top computers, cellphones, smart phones, multimedia players, personal digital assistants,etc.

FIG. 16 is a simplified block diagram of one illustrative example of ahandheld or mobile computing device that can be used as a user's orclient's hand held device 16, in which the present system (or parts ofit) can be deployed. For instance, a mobile device can be deployed inthe operator compartment of mobile work machine 102 or as remote system114. FIGS. 17-18 are examples of handheld or mobile devices.

FIG. 16 provides a general block diagram of the components of a clientdevice 16 that can run some components shown in FIG. 4 , that interactswith them, or both. In the device 16, a communications link 13 isprovided that allows the handheld device to communicate with othercomputing devices and under some embodiments provides a channel forreceiving information automatically, such as by scanning. Examples ofcommunications link 13 include allowing communication though one or morecommunication protocols, such as wireless services used to providecellular access to a network, as well as protocols that provide localwireless connections to networks.

In other examples, applications can be received on a removable SecureDigital (SD) card that is connected to an interface 15. Interface 15 andcommunication links 13 communicate with a processor 17 (which can alsoembody processors or servers from previous FIGS.) along a bus 19 that isalso connected to memory 21 and input/output (I/O) components 23, aswell as clock 25 and location system 27.

I/O components 23, in one example, are provided to facilitate input andoutput operations. VO components 23 for various embodiments of thedevice 16 can include input components such as buttons, touch sensors,optical sensors, microphones, touch screens, proximity sensors,accelerometers, orientation sensors and output components such as adisplay device, a speaker, and or a printer port. Other I/O components23 can be used as well.

Clock 25 illustratively comprises a real time clock component thatoutputs a time and date. It can also, illustratively, provide timingfunctions for processor 17.

Location system 27 illustratively includes a component that outputs acurrent geographical location of device 16. This can include, forinstance, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, a LORAN system, adead reckoning system, a cellular triangulation system, or otherpositioning system. It can also include, for example, mapping softwareor navigation software that generates desired maps, navigation routesand other geographic functions.

Memory 21 stores operating system 29, network settings 31, applications33, application configuration settings 35, data store 37, communicationdrivers 39, and communication configuration settings 41. Memory 21 caninclude all types of tangible volatile and non-volatilecomputer-readable memory devices. It can also include computer storagemedia (described below). Memory 21 stores computer readable instructionsthat, when executed by processor 17, cause the processor to performcomputer-implemented steps or functions according to the instructions.Processor 17 can be activated by other components to facilitate theirfunctionality as well.

FIG. 17 shows one example in which device 16 is a tablet computer 890.In FIG. 17 , computer 890 is shown with user interface display screen892. Screen 892 can be a touch screen or a pen-enabled interface thatreceives inputs from a pen or stylus. It can also use an on-screenvirtual keyboard. Of course, it might also be attached to a keyboard orother user input device through a suitable attachment mechanism, such asa wireless link or USB port, for instance. Computer 890 can alsoillustratively receive voice inputs as well.

FIG. 18 shows that the device can be a smart phone 71. Smart phone 71has a touch sensitive display 73 that displays icons or tiles or otheruser input mechanisms 75. Mechanisms 75 can be used by a user to runapplications, make calls, perform data transfer operations, etc. Ingeneral, smart phone 71 is built on a mobile operating system and offersmore advanced computing capability and connectivity than a featurephone.

Note that other forms of the devices 16 are possible.

FIG. 19 is one example of a computing environment in which elements ofFIG. 1 , or parts of it, (for example) can be deployed. With referenceto FIG. 19 , an example system for implementing some embodimentsincludes a computing device in the form of a computer 910. Components ofcomputer 910 may include, but are not limited to, a processing unit 920(which can comprise processors or servers from previous FIGS.), a systemmemory 930, and a system bus 921 that couples various system componentsincluding the system memory to the processing unit 920. The system bus921 may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory busor memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of avariety of bus architectures. Memory and programs described with respectto FIG. 1 can be deployed in corresponding portions of FIG. 19 .

Computer 910 typically includes a variety of computer readable media.Computer readable media can be any available media that can be accessedby computer 910 and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media,removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and notlimitation, computer readable media may comprise computer storage mediaand communication media. Computer storage media is different from, anddoes not include, a modulated data signal or carrier wave. It includeshardware storage media including both volatile and nonvolatile,removable and non-removable media implemented in any method ortechnology for storage of information such as computer readableinstructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computerstorage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flashmemory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD)or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape,magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any othermedium which can be used to store the desired information and which canbe accessed by computer 910. Communication media may embody computerreadable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data ina transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. Theterm “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of itscharacteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode informationin the signal.

The system memory 930 includes computer storage media in the form ofvolatile and/or nonvolatile memory such as read only memory (ROM) 931and random access memory (RAM) 932. A basic input/output system 933(BIOS), containing the basic routines that help to transfer informationbetween elements within computer 910, such as during start-up, istypically stored in ROM 931. RAM 932 typically contains data and/orprogram modules that are immediately accessible to and/or presentlybeing operated on by processing unit 920. By way of example, and notlimitation, FIG. 19 illustrates operating system 934, applicationprograms 935, other program modules 936, and program data 937.

The computer 910 may also include other removable/non-removablevolatile/nonvolatile computer storage media. By way of example only,FIG. 19 illustrates a hard disk drive 941 that reads from or writes tonon-removable, nonvolatile magnetic media, an optical disk drive 955,and nonvolatile optical disk 956. The hard disk drive 941 is typicallyconnected to the system bus 921 through a non-removable memory interfacesuch as interface 940, and optical disk drive 955 is typically connectedto the system bus 921 by a removable memory interface, such as interface950.

Alternatively, or in addition, the functionality described herein can beperformed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components.For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardwarelogic components that can be used include Field-programmable Gate Arrays(FPGAs), Application-specific Integrated Circuits (e.g., ASICs),Application-specific Standard Products (e.g., ASSPs), System-on-a-chipsystems (SOCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), etc.

The drives and their associated computer storage media discussed aboveand illustrated in FIG. 19 , provide storage of computer readableinstructions, data structures, program modules and other data for thecomputer 910. In FIG. 19 , for example, hard disk drive 941 isillustrated as storing operating system 944, application programs 945,other program modules 946, and program data 947. Note that thesecomponents can either be the same as or different from operating system934, application programs 935, other program modules 936, and programdata 937.

A user may enter commands and information into the computer 910 throughinput devices such as a keyboard 962, a microphone 963, and a pointingdevice 961, such as a mouse, trackball or touch pad. Other input devices(not shown) may include a joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner,or the like. These and other input devices are often connected to theprocessing unit 920 through a user input interface 960 that is coupledto the system bus, but may be connected by other interface and busstructures. A visual display 991 or other type of display device is alsoconnected to the system bus 921 via an interface, such as a videointerface 990. In addition to the monitor, computers may also includeother peripheral output devices such as speakers 997 and printer 996,which may be connected through an output peripheral interface 995.

The computer 910 is operated in a networked environment using logicalconnections (such as a local area network—LAN, or wide area network—WANor a controller area network—CAN) to one or more remote computers, suchas a remote computer 980.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 910 is connectedto the LAN 971 through a network interface or adapter 970. When used ina WAN networking environment, the computer 910 typically includes amodem 972 or other means for establishing communications over the WAN973, such as the Internet. In a networked environment, program modulesmay be stored in a remote memory storage device. FIG. 19 illustrates,for example, that remote application programs 985 can reside on remotecomputer 980.

It should also be noted that the different examples described herein canbe combined in different ways. That is, parts of one or more examplescan be combined with parts of one or more other examples. All of this iscontemplated herein.

Example 1 is a mobile work machine comprising:

a wireless communication system configured to receive a wirelesscommunication signal from a transmitter corresponding to a machinecomponent on the mobile work machine;

machine component identification logic configured to obtain a machinecomponent identifier, that uniquely identifies the machine component,based on the wireless communication signal;

operation detection logic configured to detect a machine operationassociated with the machine component and to generate componentperformance data correlated to the machine component based on themachine operation; and

control signal generator logic configured to generate a control signalthat controls the mobile work machine based on the component performancedata.

Example 2 is the mobile work machine of any or all previous examples,wherein the mobile work machine comprises an agricultural machine.

Example 3 is the mobile work machine of any or all previous examples,wherein the machine component comprises a metering roller.

Example 4 is the mobile work machine of any or all previous examples,wherein the machine component comprises a part of a set of groundengaging traction elements.

Example 5 is the mobile work machine of any or all previous examples,wherein the wireless communication system comprises a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) reader that receives a radio signal from an RFIDtag on the machine component.

Example 6 is the mobile work machine of any or all previous examples,and further comprising:

target operation logic configured to identify a target machine operationbased on the component performance data, wherein the control signalcontrols the mobile work machine to perform the target machineoperation.

Example 7 is the mobile work machine of any or all previous examples,wherein the target machine operation comprises at least one of a targetspeed or a target position of the machine component.

Example 8 is the mobile work machine of any or all previous examples,wherein the control signal controls the mobile work machine to store, ina data store, historical performance data associated with the machinecomponent.

Example 9 is the mobile work machine of any or all previous examples,wherein the data store is on the machine component.

Example 10 is the mobile work machine of any or all previous examples,and further comprising wear detection logic configured to generate awear indication metric indicative of wear of the machine component.

Example 11 is the mobile work machine of any or all previous examples,wherein the wear indication metric is generated based on a detectedchange in the wireless communication signal from the transmitter.

Example 12 is the mobile work machine of any or all previous examples,wherein the wear indication metric is generated based on historicalperformance data associated with the machine component.

Example 13 is the mobile work machine of any or all previous examples,and further comprising verification logic configured to verify themachine component and to control operation of the mobile work machinebased on the verification.

Example 14 is a method performed by an agricultural machine, the methodcomprising: receiving a wireless communication signal from a transmittercorresponding to a machine component on the mobile work machine;

obtaining a machine component identifier, that uniquely identifies themachine component, based on the wireless communication signal;

detecting a machine operation associated with the machine component;

generating component data correlated to the machine component based onthe machine operation; and

generating a control signal that controls the mobile work machine basedon the component data.

Example 15 is the method of any or all previous examples, wherein thewireless communication signal comprises a radio signal from a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag on the machine component.

Example 16 is the method of any or all previous examples, and furthercomprising: identifying a target machine operation based on thecomponent data; and controlling the mobile work machine to perform thetarget machine operation.

Example 17 is the method of any or all previous examples, and furthercomprising generating a wear indication metric indicative of wear of theidentified machine component.

Example 18 is the method of any or all previous examples, wherein thewear indication metric is generated based on at least one of:

a detected change in the wireless communication signal from thetransmitter; or

historical performance data associated with the machine component.

Example 19 is a mobile work machine comprising:

a wireless communication system configured to receive a wirelesscommunication signal from a transmitter corresponding to a machinecomponent on the mobile work machine;

machine component identification logic configured to obtain a machinecomponent identifier, that uniquely identifies the machine component,based on the wireless communication signal;

operation detection logic configured to detect a machine operationassociated with the machine component;

wear detection logic configured to generate a wear indication indicativeof wear of the machine component; and

control signal generator logic configured to generate a control signalthat controls the mobile work machine based on the wear indication.

Example 20 is the mobile work machine of any or all previous examples,wherein the wear indication is generated based on at least one of:

a detected change in the wireless communication signal from thetransmitter; or

historical performance data associated with the machine component.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above.Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed asexample forms of implementing the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An agricultural machine comprising: a meteringroller; a wireless communication receiver configured to receive awireless communication signal from a transmitter corresponding to themetering roller; at least one processor; and memory storing instructionsexecutable by the at least one processor, wherein the instructions, whenexecuted, cause the agricultural machine to: obtain a metering rolleridentifier, that uniquely identities the metering roller, based on thewireless communication signal; detect a machine operation associatedwith the metering roller and to generate component performance datacorrelated to the metering roller based on the machine operation; andgenerate a control signal that controls the agricultural machine basedon the component performance data.
 2. The agricultural machine of claim1, wherein the wireless communication system comprises a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) reader that receives a radio signal from an RFIDtag on the metering roller.
 3. The agricultural machine of claim 1, andfurther comprising: target operation logic configured to identify atarget machine operation based on the component performance data,wherein the control signal controls the agricultural machine to performthe target machine operation.
 4. The agricultural machine of claim 3,wherein the target machine operation comprises at least one of a targetspeed or a target position of the metering roller.
 5. The agriculturalmachine of claim 1, wherein the control signal controls the agriculturalmachine to store, in a data store, historical performance dataassociated with the metering roller.
 6. The agricultural machine ofclaim 5, wherein the data store is on the metering roller.
 7. Theagricultural machine of claim 1, and further comprising wear detectionlogic configured to generate a wear indication metric indicative of wearof the metering roller.
 8. The agricultural machine of claim 7, whereinthe instructions, when executed, cause the agricultural machine to:detect a change in the wireless communication signal from thetransmitter: determine that the detected change indicates physicaldamage to the transmitter; and generate the wear indication metric basedon the determination.
 9. The agricultural machine of claim 7, whereinthe wear indication metric is generated based on historical performancedata associated with the metering roller.
 10. The agricultural machineof claim 1, and further comprising verification logic configured toverify the metering roller and to control operation of the agriculturalmachine based on the verification.
 11. A method performed by a mobilework machine, the method comprising: receiving a wireless communicationsignal from a transmitter ponding to a machine component on the mobilework machine; obtaining a machine component identifier that uniquelyidentifies the machine component, based on the wireless communicationsignal; detecting a machine operation associated with the machinecomponent; generating component data correlated to the machine componentbased on the machine operation; generating a control signal thatcontrols the mobile work machine based on the component data; andstoring, in a data store on the machine component, historicalperformance data associated with the machine component.
 12. The methodof claim 11, wherein the wireless communication signal comprises a radiosignal from a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag on the machinecomponent.
 13. The method of claim 11, and further comprising:identifying a target machine operation based on the component data; andcontrolling the mobile work machine to perform the target machineoperation.
 14. The method of claim 11, and further comprising generatinga wear indication metric indicative of wear of the identified machinecomponent.
 15. The method of claim 14, and further comprising: detectinga chance in the wireless communication signal from the transmitter;determining that the detected chance indicates physical damage to thetransmitter; and generating the wear indication metric based on thedetermination.
 16. A mobile work machine comprising: a wirelesscommunication receiver configured to receive a wireless communicationsignal from a transmitter corresponding to a machine component on themobile work machine; at least one processor; and memory storinginstructions executable by the at least one processor, wherein theinstructions, when executed, cause the mobile work machine to: machinecomponent identification logic configured to obtain a machine componentidentifier, that uniquely identifies the machine component, based on thewireless communication signal; operation detection logic configured todetect a machine operation associated with the machine component; weardetection logic configured to: detect a change in the wirelesscommunication signal from the transmitter: determine that the detectedchance indicates physical damage to the transmitter; generate a wearindication indicative of wear of the machine component based on thedetermination; and control signal generator logic configured to generatea control signal that controls the mobile work machine used on the wearindication.
 17. The mobile work machine of claim 16, wherein the wearindication is generated based on: historical performance data associatedwith the machine component.